Heavy metals are a health concern whether they come from drinking water, air or food. They can build up in the organs of your body. High levels can be harmful to your health.
Infants, children and pregnant women are more susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals, so steps should be taken to reduce heavy metal concentrations in water that this group of people may consume.
Lead is the main heavy metal in drinking water and the one that poses the greatest health concern. Lead cannot be removed from the body, so it builds up in the skeleton and can damage nerves and organs. Infants, children and pregnant women are most susceptible to lead's toxic effects, which can include brain and kidney damage.